​Welcoming a new baby is an exciting milestone—but for older siblings, it can be a mix of curiosity, excitement, confusion, and even jealousy. While your heart grows to accommodate another child, your firstborn (or older kids) may be trying to understand where they now fit in this changing family dynamic. Preparing siblings for the arrival of a new baby is essential in helping them feel included, secure, and loved.

​Here’s how to help siblings transition smoothly into their new role:

1. Start the Conversation Early- Children thrive on routine and predictability. As soon as you’re comfortable sharing the news, begin age-appropriate conversations about the baby.

• Toddlers (1-3 years): Keep it simple—explain that a baby is growing in your belly and will come home in a few months.
• Preschoolers (3-5 years): Read books about becoming a big brother or sister, and use dolls or stuffed animals to explain how babies are fed, changed, and comforted.
• School-aged kids (6+): Involve them in discussions about what it means to be a sibling and how they can help. Be open to their questions and feelings.

2. Involve Them in the Pregnancy- Giving children a role in the baby’s preparation helps them feel included and valued.

• Let them help choose baby clothes, toys, or nursery decor.
• Show them ultrasound pictures or let them feel the baby kick.
• Take them to a prenatal visit (if your provider allows), so they can hear the baby’s heartbeat.

3. Validate Their Feelings- Not every child will be thrilled right away and that’s okay. They might feel anxious about losing attention or having to share their parents.

• Encourage open conversations: “How do you feel about the baby coming?”
• Avoid dismissing negative emotions. Instead, respond with empathy: “It’s okay to feel upset. Things will be different, and that can be hard.”

4. Read Together- Books can be powerful tools for helping younger kids understand what to expect. A few favorites include:

• I’m a Big Sister/I’m a Big Brother by Joanna Cole
• The New Baby by Mercer Mayer
• Hello in There! by Jo Witek

These stories normalize sibling experiences and create space for questions.

5. Practice Baby Care with Them- Role play can make the abstract idea of a baby more tangible.

• Let them practice diapering a doll.
• Talk about how babies cry, sleep, and feed.
• Remind them that babies can’t play right away and that doesn’t mean they don’t like their siblings.

6. Plan for Their Care During Labor- Talk about what will happen when it’s time for the baby to be born. Let them know:

• Who will be taking care of them (e.g., grandparents or a babysitter)
• When they’ll get to meet the baby
• That you will come back as soon as it’s safe to

This preparation helps reduce uncertainty and fear.

7. Make the First Meeting Special- The first impression matters. Plan the sibling introduction thoughtfully:

• Try to hold the baby in a bassinet or crib when the sibling enters, so your arms are free to hug them.
• Have a “big sibling” gift from the baby ready to present.
• Let them interact at their own pace.

8. Give Them a Job- Assign a special “big sibling” job, like being the diaper fetcher, lullaby singer, or book reader. This gives them purpose and pride in their new role.

9. Schedule One-on-One Time- After the baby arrives, it’s easy for the older child to feel overlooked. Carve out intentional one-on-one time with them, even just 10 minutes a day, to remind them they’re still a priority.

10. Be Patient with Regressions- Your potty-trained preschooler might suddenly have accidents. Your independent child may become clingy. These are normal responses to a big life change. Offer reassurance and patience as they adjust.

11. Other Considerations- Speak with your older children about their birth. Allow them to ask questions and review your birth plan with them. You may also want to schedule maternity or newborn photos and allow them to celebrate their new role as a big sister/brother. When preparing for baby's arrival, you can have some fun in the kitchen. Let your children pick out some recipes for freezer meals and prepare them together. Lastly, plan a trip to take as a family before the new baby is born.

Bringing a new baby into the family is a journey for everyone—not just parents. With preparation, empathy, and love, older siblings can feel secure and excited in their new role. Remember: the bond between siblings is one of the most lasting and meaningful relationships they will have. Your guidance helps lay the foundation for that connection to grow.

​Motherhood is a beautiful, challenging, and often exhausting journey. Between managing schedules, wiping noses, juggling work, and making sure everyone eats something green once in a while, it's easy to lose sight of your own needs—and your worth. Today, let’s take a breath together and focus on six powerful things every mom should do not just once in a while, but regularly. These aren't just self-care tips—they are mindset shifts that can help you show up for your family and yourself in the best way possible.

1. Cut Yourself Some Slack and Give Yourself More Credit- You are doing more than you think, and it’s time to acknowledge that. Did the kids eat? Did you show them love today? Did you survive another Monday? That counts. You don't have to be perfect to be an amazing mom. Give yourself permission to let go of the impossible standards. The laundry might pile up, you might forget spirit day, but your love and presence are what matter most. Celebrate the small wins—because they are big.

2. Slow Down and Be Present- Life as a mom can feel like a race from sunrise to bedtime. But rushing through the days means missing the little moments—the giggles, the messy art projects, the bedtime chats. Try to slow down, even just for a few minutes. Put down your phone, look into your child’s eyes, and listen. Presence over perfection is what creates connection.

3. Say "No"- You do not have to say yes to every bake sale, playdate, committee, or favor. Protecting your time and energy is not selfish—it’s essential. Learning to say no allows you to say yes to what matters most. Boundaries make room for peace, and peace makes space for joy.

4. Have Regular “Me Time”- You cannot pour from an empty cup. Whether it's 10 minutes with coffee and a book, a solo Target run, a hobby you love, or even just silence in the car after school drop-off—carve out space for yourself. “Me time” is not a luxury; it's a necessity. It refreshes your spirit and reminds you of the person you are outside of motherhood. Want to take it a step further? Plan a solo trip or weekend staycation where you can have the house all to yourself.

5. Write Down Your Goals and Pursue Them- I know that you still have dreams. Don’t tuck them away just because you're raising children. Writing down your goals makes them real. Whether it’s a fitness milestone, a career shift, or learning a new skill, you are allowed to grow alongside your kids. You’re not just raising future adults—you’re still becoming the woman you were made to be.

6. Pray for Your Children- There’s power in a praying mom. When you feel helpless, when your child is struggling, or when you’re unsure what to do—pray. Covering your children in prayer invites peace, wisdom, and strength into your parenting. It’s not about having all the answers, but about entrusting the journey to Someone who does.

Motherhood is a constant evolution, and the best thing you can do for your family is to take care of you—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. These six small shifts can make a world of difference in how you feel, how you love, and how you lead your family. You’ve got this, mama. And on the days you feel like you don’t—remember that grace, growth, and prayer go a long way.

As parents—especially as moms—there's a lot of talk about self-care. But what does it really mean? Self-care is a deliberate and self-initiated practice that helps regulate our physical, emotional, and mental well-being. In today’s fast-paced world, filled with constant demands and endless responsibilities, taking time to care for ourselves isn’t a luxury—it’s essential.

Did you know that self-care aligns with preventive medicine?

When you prioritize your own health and wellness, you’re not just improving your mood or energy—you’re actively investing in your long-term health and resilience. It’s like putting on your own oxygen mask first so you can better care for those who depend on you.
​
The Hardest Part? Making Time for It.
Let’s be honest: making time for self-care can feel like an impossible task when you're managing a household, working, parenting, and trying to be everything for everyone. But here’s the truth—if you don’t make time, time won’t make itself.

I recommend planning ahead and even blocking time off in your calendar—just like you would for a meeting or your child’s soccer game. Consider it an appointment with yourself that you deserve to keep.

Tips for Creating a Manageable Self-Care Routine

1. Start small
   Don’t overwhelm yourself with expensive spa days or complicated routines. Self-care can begin right at home. Brew a cup of herbal tea, give yourself a manicure or pedicure, take a bubble bath (when was the last time you did that?), or try a new beauty treatment. Step outside for fresh air, soak in the sun for 10 minutes, or unwind with a favorite show. Even ordering takeout instead of cooking counts—remember, the small things add up.
2. Do one thing just for you each day
   I know your to-do list is never-ending, but try to do one thing daily that’s purely for you. It could be as simple as putting on a favorite lipstick, listening to your favorite podcast, or grabbing a fancy coffee from Starbucks. This small act of self-kindness helps build consistency and signals that you are a priority too.
3. Communicate with your family
   When planning your self-care time, let your family know in advance. Clear communication sets expectations and helps minimize interruptions. Teach your kids and partner to respect your "me time"—it models healthy boundaries and self-respect.
4. Incorporate wellness into your routine
   • Prayer or meditation: A few quiet minutes can ground your day and reduce stress.
   • See your doctor regularly: Stay on top of health checkups and don’t ignore symptoms.
   • Move your body: Whether it's yoga, a brisk walk, or a dance session in the kitchen, physical activity releases endorphins and boosts energy.
   • Eat nourishing foods: Fuel your body with what makes you feel good.
5. Stay social
   Spend time with friends who uplift you. A coffee date, phone call, or girls’ night out can be incredibly restorative. Let your village pour into you for a change.
6. Try something new
   A new hobby, workout, or skill can spark joy and help you rediscover parts of yourself that might have been buried under the responsibilities of motherhood.
7. Journal or write
   Writing things down can be therapeutic. Whether it’s gratitude journaling, venting after a rough day, or setting goals, journaling creates space to process your thoughts and feelings.

Mom, it’s okay to put yourself first every once in a while. You give so much of yourself to your family, and in order to continue doing that with love and energy, you must refill your own cup. Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s necessary. Be in the moment, listen to what your body and mind are telling you, and honor your needs. You are worth it.

Parenting is hard. And confusing. And exhausting. Trust me, I get it. Much of parenting is trial & error and gut instinct, am I right? The honest truth is that only you know what's best for your children and family. But where do you go when you need answers?

The modern world has resources and information literally at your fingertips. But a lot of what is floating around out there is opinion and not evidence-based information from experts. And no offense to Google, but that is the last place you need to go when you are looking for direct and factual data. Please save yourself some time and uncertainty. Instead, here are some  highly-recommended and equally popular resources that can be beneficial to you on your parenting journey.

Websites

• Lucie's List– Great registry guidance, gear reviews, and postpartum tips.
• The Bump– Week-by-week pregnancy tracker, baby name tools, and parenting guides.
• BabyCenter– Trusted site with community forums, due date calculators, and developmental milestones.
• KellyMom– Evidence-based breastfeeding and parenting support.
• Janet Lansbury– Focuses on respectful parenting and the RIE method.
• What to Expect– Based on the popular book, with forums and a strong app.
• ​​Zero to Three​- Child development research and parenting tools from birth to age 3.
• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) – HealthyChildren.org- Pediatrician-backed advice on everything from pregnancy through adolescence.
• Motherly- Thoughtful, mom-focused content with expert guidance on parenting and wellness.​

Apps

• Peanut– A social networking app for moms and expecting parents to connect.
• Ovia Pregnancy & Ovia Parenting– Tracking tools for pregnancy and baby development.
• Huckleberry– Baby sleep tracking with expert guidance.
• Kinedu– Developmental activity suggestions backed by child development research.
• Baby Tracker– Logs feeding, diapering, and sleep data.
• The Wonder Weeks- Tracks mental development leaps in babies based on neuroscience.

Podcasts

• “The Longest Shortest Time” – Fascinating stories about parenthood, often hilarious and heartwarming.
• “Unruffled” with Janet Lansbury – Practical advice on parenting calmly and respectfully.
• “Evidence-Based Birth” Podcast – Especially helpful for expectant parents who want to make informed birth choices.
• “The Birth Hour” – Real birth stories from all perspectives.
• “Raising Good Humans” by Dr. Aliza Pressman – Expert interviews and modern parenting science.

​
When You Need Professional Input

• Your Pediatrician or OB/GYN– Always defer to them for health concerns.
• IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant)– For breastfeeding issues.
• Postpartum Support International– For maternal mental health and postpartum depression help.

Again, nothing beats your gut instinct. But if you need a starting point for specific topics related to pregnancy, birth and parenting, some of these online resources will surely be at the top of your go-to list.

Have you tried any of the resources listed above? Have any to add to the list? Leave a comment below!

Dear Mom,

Whether your baby is days old or a few years into into their adolescent adventures, you have done something incredible. You’ve brought life into this world, and that alone deserves more praise and awe than words can carry.

But now, let’s talk about you.

I know the days blur together. The feedings, the playdates, the exhaustion, the constant wondering if you're doing it "right." I know the love you feel is deeper than anything you imagined, but the weight of it can also feel overwhelming. And somewhere in all of this, you—your body, your mind, your spirit—have likely taken a backseat.

I want to urge you, gently but firmly: please take care of yourself.

Not later. Not when the baby sleeps through the night. Not when you're done pumping or when  they start school. Now.

Here’s why: you matter, too.

You are not just a milk source. Not just the comforting arms. Not just the scheduler, the lovey-finder, the soft place to land. You are still you, and that woman—before baby, during baby, after baby—needs nourishment, sleep, support, joy, and rest.

Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s foundational. A well-fed, emotionally supported, and rested mother is a stronger, more present one. You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to do it all. But you do need to be well. Because the version of you that thrives—not just survives—is the one your children, family and community will benefit from the most.

So eat something warm today. Say yes when someone offers help. Ask for it when they don’t. Take a walk. Cry if you need to. Talk to someone. Say no to things that drain you. Protect your peace.

Let go of guilt. Let go of the image of what you think you should be. You’re already enough, just as you are.

Motherhood is a chapter of your life. A huge one, yes. But it shouldn’t mean losing yourself entirely. Your baby needs you—whole, human, healing, and here.

So, fellow mom, this is your permission slip.

To rest. To reclaim pieces of yourself. To be cared for, just as much as you care for your little one(s).

You deserve that.

With love and solidarity,
Another Mom Who’s Been There


P.S. Whenever you need a reminder to pause and care for yourself, say these things out loud:

"I am more than a mother and I will take time to nurture every part of myself."

"Taking care of myself is a part of taking care of my family."

"Taking care of myself doesn't mean 'me first', it means 'me too'."

"When I am healthy, my family is healthy."

Remember, God created you for motherhood and so much more. Embrace the journey.